Poison the Well - The Opposite of December (1999)^{Release ID: 1769}

F***ing h*ll, how did this masterpiece hide under my metalcore radar!? The Opposite of December is the debut album by Poison the Well and has greatly defined the genre! It's a heavy emotional offering of glory that fans of hardcore and metal shouldn't miss out in their lives.

Not often can you find something that can sound so fresh even after over 25 years following its release. As awesome as many other metalcore releases, they would be bowing down to the true groundbreaking developing albums of the genre. The title and release date fit well together, considering it was released in December 1999, one month before the new millennium (unless you wanna be technical). Already there was hope for a promising future for metal and hardcore in this millennium.

Already hitting things hard is the opening track "12-23-93" (I wonder what that date means). After the beginning drum roll by Chris Hornbrook, there's a lot of fury from the guitar and vocals. Jeffrey Moreira has wonderful vocals as he screams well-written lyrics at the top of his lungs. Not a lot of metalcore vocalists have the same rage as Jeffrey, and that's probably good health-wise. That, combined with active smoking and when used his screaming offstage after finding out the band's equipment was stolen, would lead to him suffering a collapsed lung, but he recovered. Anyway, he also does some clean singing that helps the band standout among other early metalcore bands. His vocals also shine greatly in "A Wish for Wings That Work", with a spoken bridge. Closing the next track "Artist's Rendering of Me" is some emotional guitar and bass.

Then the bass becomes audible in the bridge of "Slice Paper Wrists", a melodic standout for many metalcore listeners, and I truly agree. "Nerdy" has more special relatable lyrics about wanting to take a friendship to the next level. Jeffrey's lyrics are truly beyond the kind of scenario I would ever write. "To Mandate Heaven" takes on a more experimental side of things that would increase in later albums. The metallic riffing is covered in raw filth compared to other tracks. The experimentation pays off and naturally, they've made another powerful anthem.

"Not Within Arms Length" marks another dynamic highlight. The bass and drums are more relentless and take the spotlight above the riffing. It sounds quite fresh and never loses any steam. "Mid Air Love Message" plays around with rock riffing for a lighter vibe. The heaviness is still there as a counterweight for the slower emotion. After a hidden section between tracks, "My Mirror No Longer Reflects" closes the album with some of the most emotional guitarwork in late 90s metalcore.

All in all, The Opposite of December is just what every metalcore fan really needs. Something so beautiful and brutal was made by this young talented group that would stand the test of time. This impactful gem is essential for all metal/hardcore fans, one that you can't go your entire life without!

Favorites: "12/23/93", "Slice Paper Wrists", "To Mandate Heaven", "Not Within Arms Length", "My Mirror No Longer Reflects"